Mortification

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Killing , even mortification , is a traditional, pictorial and ambiguous expression, especially in the field of Christian theology .

According to the Christian faith, man stands before God as a sinner. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ , people were freed from sin (“redeemed”). For the individual person this means in Paul's image his death as a sinful person and the participation “in the new life of Jesus”. In the language of this picture, mortification aims at the death of the "old", i.e. H. sin people. There is not just an initial disturbance in man's relationship with God ( original sin ). As a result of original sin and as a result of personal sins, despite baptism, there remains a disorder and tendency to sin ( concupiscence ) in the relationship between people in / to themselves, to other people and to God . Therefore, even after baptism, a sustained process of transforming the believer (mortification in the broader sense) and active participation in it (mortification in the narrower sense) is required.

Biblical language world

Of several passages in the New Testament on the subject of mortification, only three prominent ones are mentioned here:

“Don't you know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into his death? We were buried with him through baptism to death; and as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too are to live as new people. For if we have become like him in his death, then we will also be united with him in his resurrection. "

- ( Rom 6,3-5  EU )

“If you live according to the flesh, you must die; but if you kill the (sinful) deeds of the body by the Spirit, you will live. "

- ( Rom 8,13  EU )

“ 3 For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. […] 5 Therefore kill what is earthly about you: fornication, shamelessness, passion, evil desires and covetousness, which is idolatry. […] 9 Do not lie to one another; for you have cast off the old man with his deeds 10 and have become a new man, who is renewed in the image of his Creator in order to recognize him. "

- ( Col 3,3-10  EU )

On the basis of these and similar passages in the text, the ascetic concept of mortification was developed. In order to emphasize its spiritual embedding, this was preceded by a term of mortification in a wider sense.

Statements in catechisms

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Roman Catholic) the term mortification is mentioned in two places:

“ 1430 Like the invitation of the prophets, Jesus' call to repentance and repentance does not initially aim at external works, 'sackcloth and ashes', fasting and mortification, but rather at the conversion of the heart, the internal penance. Without it, penances remain sterile and dishonest. Inward conversion, however, urges us to express this attitude in visible signs, in acts and works of penance [cf. Joel 2, 12-13  EU ; Isa 1,16-17  EU ; Mt 6.1–6.16–18  EU ]. "

- Catechism of the Catholic Church

“ 2015 The way to perfection leads over the cross. There is no holiness without renunciation and spiritual struggle. 2 Tim 4  EU ]. Spiritual progress requires asceticism and mortification, which gradually lead to living in the peace and joy of the Beatitudes. "

- Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Adult Catholic Catechism does not contain the term "mortification".

Further reception

Elisabeth Cruciger (approx. 1500–1535) formulates in the Protestant Chióral Herr Christ, who unites God's Son following Romans 6, summarizing “kill us through your goodness / awaken us through your grace. / Let the elderly be offended / that the new 'may live ...' Johann Sebastian Bach takes up this verse in the cantatas Jesus took the twelve (BWV 22, Choral 5) and Mr. Christ, the one-time Son of God (BWV 96, Choral 6).

Mortification in the broader sense

In a broad Pauline sense, mortification means the "fundamental sacramental dying at baptism ( Rom. 6.11  EU ) continuously in life (cf. also Rom. 8.10  EU ), in that the killing of deadly sin through faith and baptism in real suffering and death of life and (probably also according to Paul) by actively accepting renunciation (as a practice of Christian dying) on ​​the whole existence of man in all its dimensions ”.

Mortification in the strict sense

In the narrower, dominant sense, mortification is a "key concept of Catholic asceticism ".

The expression mortification is now often replaced by milder expressions. "One speaks of changing the way of life , of self-control , will formation , direction of the soul towards God ."

definition

Are defined mortifications inter alia, as "active (initiative experienced) inner and outer disclaimers and penances, which are in the lane, the engine life (self-preservation and sex drive), a whole of the Christian life." In the classic manner will kill defined as "fight against evil tendencies in order to submit them to the will and this God ”. More catchy than "the various restrictions that the Christian - like everyone else, incidentally - must impose on himself if he wants to live and live well".

Delimitations

Buses

Mortification is to be distinguished from repentance . If mortification is about atonement for sins committed , then it is repentance, more precisely (possible) "expression and intensification of the penitential disposition".

Killing "in the true sense" is "to reduce current and future errors".

It is (also) emphasized in Catholic theology that repentance in the sense of repentance and conversion cannot do without “external acts and works”, “but repentance cannot be defined by such acts”: “Penance is essential neither asceticism nor the work of mortification nor satisfaction; it is an inward and spiritual act, a conversion of heart. It may well include mortification, reparation and sacramental confession, but all of this is secondary or comes second. "

Virtue

Traditional Catholic ethics are based on virtue . The mortification "is less a single virtue than a totality of virtues, the first level of all virtues, which consists in overcoming obstacles in order to restore the balance and the right ranking of abilities."

Goal of mortification

The goal of mortification, from the perspective of Catholic theology, is “union with God”. Mortifications are only of value if they are “acts of love”: “... mortification is not an end, but only a means. One kills oneself only to partake of a higher life. One gets rid of external goods just to better enjoy spiritual goods. You renounce yourself just to have God. One fights only to enjoy peace. ”The aim of Christian life is“ holiness ” in Catholic terms and it applies:“ All saints have killed themselves ”and:“ Without mortification, following Christ is not possible. ”

Mortification and asceticism

Mortification should be seen in connection with general asceticism. Starting with Romans 6: 3-5 it says in CEC : “The whole Christian life must therefore be a constant conversion and a constant struggle with the powers of sin like a constant growth in the new life, in faith, hope and love. This also includes asceticism, i.e. the persistent effort to put aside everything that does not correspond to the spirit of Jesus Christ, and the practice of being a Christian, i.e. the effort to become conformed to the image of Jesus Christ and to gain strength in his strength ( cf.Phil 3, 10  EU ; Rom 8,29  EU , Col 3,9-10  EU ). Church tradition mentions fasting, prayer and alms as a means for this (cf. Tob 12.8  EU ; Mt 6.1-18  EU ). "

Criticism of mortification

The killing is exposed to criticism, misunderstandings and abuse:

  • On the one hand there is - especially from a Protestant point of view - the danger of a work fair . Regardless of the relationship between grace and freedom in justification, there is a practical risk of self-righteousness, complacency, and spiritual pride.
  • The Christian doctrine of mortification is criticized as hostile to lust, bodily and life. Christian theology regards this reproach as unjustified and emphasizes that pleasure - including sexual pleasure -, the human body and life are inherently good: “This Christian conception [of mortification] is equally removed from sectarian hatred and contempt for the body as of his deification in the sense of modern paganism. ”Mortification does not fight the body, but sin in the body ( Augustine ).
  • The Christian doctrine of mortification only makes sense on the basis of the premise of the existence of an original sin before baptism and a residual tendency to sin ( concupiscence ) despite baptism. If one sees the human being and each of his impulses and inclinations as naturally good and harmonious in himself (cf. for example Rousseau ), there is nothing that needs to be cultivated or restricted.
  • Mortification is not only something for religious or clergy , but also for lay people . The mortifications of a family mother are different from those of a Carthusian monk . The mortification of laypeople should generally be unspectacular and serve to improve social, family and professional skills.
  • From the point of view of Ignatian spirituality: “'Mortification' became the signal of a fixation on asceticism, on hostility to life and body, which led to the alienation of Christians from the 'evil world'. Ignatius, on the other hand, puts the meditation on the resurrection at the end of his retreat in the fourth week. He who has gone through the great retreat lives the life of the disciples with the risen One, free from petty searches for his sins and from fear for his soul's salvation. His life is oriented toward helping others understand the good news of the resurrection and come to salvation. "

Quotes

  • Ignatius von Loyola : "Everyone should bear in mind that he will only make progress in all spiritual matters if he jumps out of his self-love, his self-will and his self-interest" (EB 189). In this context he speaks of mortification: "A fifteen minute is enough for someone who has really been killed to unite with God in prayer."

See also

Web links

literature

  • Adolphe Tanquerey : Outline of Ascetic and Mystical Theology. Desclée; Paris, Tournau, Rome 1935, no. 751–817 (Orig. French : Précis de théologie ascétique et mystique. 6th edition 1928. (also online (French) )).
  • Emmerich Raitz von Frentz: mortification. In: Josef Höfer; Karl Rahner (Ed.): Lexicon for Theology and Church (LThK). - Herder: Freiburg. - Vol. 1, 2nd edition 1957 (special edition 1986), Col. 95 f.
  • Karl Hilgenreiner: mortification. In: Michael Buchberger (Ed.): Lexicon for Theology and Church (LThK). - Herder, Freiburg. - Vol. 1, 1930, Col. 54.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Duden: Keyword mortification .
  2. ↑ Adolphe Tanquerey : Outline of the ascetic and mystical theology. Desclée; Paris, Tournau, Rome 1935, No. 752 cites (citation according to the standard translation, for other translations see German Bible Society (Protestant): http://www.die-bibel.de): /
    • "That is why none of you can be my disciple if he does not renounce all his possessions" ( Lk 14.33  EU )
    • "To everyone he said: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny himself, take up his cross every day and follow me." ( Lk 9.23  EU )
    • “All who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh and with it their passions and desires.” ( Gal 5:24  EU )
    • "I fought the good fight, finished the course, remained faithful." ( 2 Tim 4,7  EU )
    Emmerich Raitz von Frentz: mortification. In: Josef Höfer; Karl Rahner (Ed.): Lexicon for Theology and Church (LThK). Herder, Freiburg. Vol. 1. 2. Edition 1957 (special edition 1986), Col. 95 f. names: Col 2,16–23  EU (with the addition: “false asceticism!”); Kol 3.5  EU ; 2 Cor 4.10  EU ; Rom 6.11  EU ; Romans 8:10, 12-14  EU ; Gal 5.16  EU ; Eph 4.17-24  EU ; 1 Petr 4.1 f. EU
  3. ^ So Emmerich Raitz von Frentz: Abortion. In: Josef Höfer; Karl Rahner (Ed.): Lexicon for Theology and Church (LThK). Herder, Freiburg. Vol. 1. 2. Edition 1957 (special edition 1986), Col. 95. The 1. edition of the LThK is different, which only deals with a purely ascetic meaning of the term.
  4. ↑ IV The inner repentance . In: Catechism of the Catholic Church . Third Part, First Section, Third Chapter, Article 13. 1997, accessed January 12, 2016.
  5. ^ IV Christian holiness . In: Catechism of the Catholic Church . Part Two, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article 4. 1997, Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  6. ↑ a b German Bishops' Conference (ed.): Catholic adult catechism. The Church's Creed. (KEK) - 4th edition - Butzon & Bercker, Kevelaer, 1989, p. 333 f. Full text search
  7. ^ So Emmerich Raitz von Frentz: Abortion. In: Josef Höfer; Karl Rahner (Ed.): Lexicon for Theology and Church (LThK). Herder, Freiburg. Vol. 1. 2. Edition 1957 (special edition 1986), Col. 95
  8. ↑ A distinction must be made between the question of the use of the term mortification and the factual question of whether the necessity of an ascetic endeavor for a Christian life is affirmed. Even if the Reformation theologies should not use the term mortification , the same thing or something similar can be meant in the matter, cf. the article asceticism .
  9. ↑ Brockhaus Encyclopedia. 17th edition. Brockhaus, Wiesbaden 1966: mortification.
  10. ↑ Adolphe Tanquerey : Outline of the ascetic and mystical theology. Desclée; Paris, Tournau, Rome 1935, No. 753 (also online (French) )
  11. ^ Emmerich Raitz von Frentz: Destruction. In: Josef Höfer; Karl Rahner (Ed.): Lexicon for Theology and Church (LThK). Herder, Freiburg. Vol. 1. 2. Edition 1957 (special edition 1986), Col. 95 f.
  12. ↑ a b c d Adolphe Tanquerey : Outline of ascetic and mystical theology. Desclée; Paris, Tournau, Rome 1935, no.754
  13. ↑ Gustave Thils: Christian Holiness. Handbook of ascetic theology for religious, priests and lay people. Manz, Munich 1961, p. 354
  14. ^ So Adolphe Tanquerey : Outline of the ascetic and mystical theology. Desclée; Paris, Tournau, Rome 1935, no.652
  15. ↑ AM Henry: The Theology of the Sacrament of Penance. In: Working group of theologians (ed.): The Catholic faith world. Vol. 3, 3rd edition. Herder, Freiburg / Basel / Vienna 1961: The salvation economy. , P. 536
  16. ↑ Adolphe Tanquerey : Outline of the ascetic and mystical theology. No. 652, Desclée, Paris / Tournau / Rome 1935.
  17. ↑ AM Henry: The Theology of the Sacrament of Penance. In: Working group of theologians (ed.): The Catholic faith world. - Herder; Freiburg, Basel, Vienna. - 3. Edition. - Vol. 3, 1961: The salvation economy. , P. 535
  18. ↑ a b Gustave Thils: Christian Holiness. Handbook of ascetic theology for religious, priests and lay people. Manz, Munich 1961, p. 34
  19. ↑ a b Karl Hilgenreiner: Mortification. In: Michael Buchberger (Ed.): Lexicon for Theology and Church (LThK). Herder, Freiburg. - Vol. 1, 1930, Col. 54.
  20. ↑ On the theory and practice of hostility towards the body see also:
  21. ↑ So Augustine : De doctrina christiana 1, 24, after Karl Hilgenreiner: Abortion. In: Michael Buchberger (Ed.): Lexicon for Theology and Church (LThK). Herder, Freiburg. - Vol. 1, 1930, Col. 54.
  22. ↑ Cf. Gustave Thils: Christian Holiness. Handbook of ascetic theology for religious, priests and lay people. Manz, Munich 1961, p. 34: "But what a difference between the 'shape' and the 'color', for example, there is in the mortifications that result from professional duties."
  23. ↑ a b Blauberger: The way to the heart reason. ( Memento of the original from March 4, 2016 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , 2010 @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / lehmanns.ciando.com